Our Story

Our History

There’s been a gathering place on this corner since 1791. We became part of the story when our family opened Union Grill in 1967. Here’s a little bit about the place – and our place in history.

Charles Valentine purchased the land on the northeast corner of Wheeling and Main streets, built a log house, and opened an inn and tavern under the name “White Goose” in 1791. That’s the same year The Whiskey Rebellion stared percolating – and a full 19 years before Washington, PA was incorporated as a borough.

1791

In 1806, the “White Goose” became the “Golden Swan” (or “The Sign of the Swan”) when it was acquired by John Rettig. Two years later, The Reporter newspaper began printing in the basement. The papers first featured advertisement was, unsurprisingly, for the tavern in the same building. The ad promoted a “HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT” featuring “a complete assortment of liquors, all of which are the best kinds.”

1806

The Valentine family took over the business in 1819.

1819

They replaced the original building in 1846. The new Valentine House stood until it was destroyed by a grease fire in 1899.

1846

The current building opened as the William Henry Hotel in 1903 and it continued operating into the mid-1950s.

1903

In 1967, we moved in and took our name from the stone masons and union workers who frequented the bar in prior years.

1967

In the ensuing years we’ve expanded the space, and our menu, to give our guests the best place to call their second home.